Softball Recap: Villa Maria Academy Takes a Loss

Villa Maria Academy had lost three straight at home, but on Thursday they dropped their record down to 3-5 to make it four. They came up short against the Bayard Rustin Golden Knights, falling 11-5. If the Hurricanes were looking for revenge after losing 10-5 to the Golden Knights when the teams met back in March of 2024, then they'll just have to keep looking.

As for Bayard Rustin, the win (which was their seventh in a row) raised their record to 13-1. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.6 runs over those games.

For Bayard Rustin's part, Ashley Falcone was a major factor no matter where she played. She struck out eight batters over eight innings while giving up three earned (and two unearned) runs off 14 hits (and only one walk). Falcone has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than one walk in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-5 with two runs and two RBI.

In other batting news, Sarah Wood was excellent, going 2-for-5 with two runs and two RBI. Those two RBI gave her a new career-high. Liv Shuffler was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.

Looking ahead, Villa Maria Academy is taking a road trip to challenge Wissahickon at 3:45 p.m. on Friday. As for Bayard Rustin, they will look to defend their home field on Friday against Oxford at 7:00 p.m. The Hornets have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 9.29 runs per game on average), something the Golden Knights will no doubt try to take advantage of.